Sufjan Stevens: Christmas Unicorn

October 3, 2012

Only Sufjan could bring unicorns, a magical kite, original sin, and Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” together for the holidays. Add a sprawling, 12:28-minute arrangement with an unexpected turn to the mix and that’s just the tip of the iceberg from this new Christmas original — our first taste of Stevens’ forthcoming 58-track box set, Silver & Gold: Songs for Christmas, Volumes 6-10. Complete with 18 of his own tunes among a couple dozen traditionals, all 5 EPs arrive on November 13th via Asthmatic Kitty. More details on the set, which features Cat Martino, Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry, Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National, and others, are here. It isn’t winter yet, but with the many non-Yuletide references Sufjan’s worked into “Christmas Unicorn,” this single seems appropriate ahead of Halloween or any season. Stream it above.